“Samford reported 100% FNP AANP certification exam pass rates in 2024 — the most concrete outcome metric in this comparison set — and offers an ADN-to-MSN pathway that most programs don’t.”
Samford University offers 5 Family Nurse Practitioner tracks:
- MSN FNP – BSN-Entry (6 semesters)
- MSN FNP – ADN/ASN-Entry (8 semesters)
- BSN-DNP FNP (3 years)
- MSN-DNP FNP – Post-Master’s (2.5–3 years)
- Post-Graduate Certificate FNP
The MSN and certificate tracks share the same FNP advanced practice course sequence; the BSN-DNP adds five additional courses — including clinical reasoning, common diagnostics, business skills, and leadership theory — for greater clinical and organizational depth.
The MSN-to-DNP requires a 3.5 GPA, a half-point higher than the BSN-entry MSN.
All tracks require a video response submission, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement as part of the application. Samford’s 100% FNP AANP certification pass rate (2024) applies across all graduate nursing programs.
Program Tracks Overview
| Program Name | Est. Tuition | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MSN FNP (BSN-Entry) | ~$47,000 | 2 years |
| MSN FNP (ADN-Entry) | Not clearly stated | ~2.5–3 years |
| BSN-DNP FNP | ~$74,000–$76,000 | 3 years |
| MSN-DNP FNP | ~$56,000 | 2.5–3 years |
| Post-Graduate Certificate FNP | ~$36,000 | Not clearly stated |
MSN FNP
Samford’s MSN FNP is offered via two entry tracks. The BSN-entry track is a 6-semester program for nurses with a BSN. The ADN/ASN-entry track is an 8-semester program for associate-degree-prepared RNs who do not hold a BSN, beginning in August rather than May.
BSN-Entry Track: The estimated cost for the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-Entry) at Samford University is approximately $47,000 (47 credits × $1,000/credit), and the program takes about 2 years to complete across six semesters.
ADN/ASN-Entry Track: The estimated cost for the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (ADN-Entry) at Samford University is not clearly stated, as the specific total credits for the ADN pathway are not fully detailed on the official program page. The program takes about 2.5–3 years across eight semesters.
MSN Curriculum
The BSN-to-MSN totals 47 credits: 12 MSN core credits and 35 FNP advanced practice credits. Core coursework covers interprofessional practice, systems leadership, advanced nursing concepts, and evidence-based practice.
The FNP sequence progresses through pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, and three sequential Family Primary Care courses before moving into two clinical courses and a capstone NP practicum.
An optional 9-credit advanced nursing education track is available for students pursuing a faculty role.
MSN Core Courses (12 credits):
- COHS 500: Introduction to Interprofessional Practice (1 credit)
- NURG 606: Systems Leadership for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
- NURG 731: Concepts of Advanced Nursing Practice (4 credits)
- NURG 732: Theoretical Principles of Evidence-Based Practice (4 credits)
FNP Advanced Practice Courses (35 credits):
- NURG 533: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NURG 610: Advanced Health Assessment (4 credits)
- NURG 633: Pharmacotherapeutics for APRN (3 credits)
- NURG 706: Family Primary Care I (4 credits)
- NURG 707: Family Primary Care II (4 credits)
- NURG 708: Family Primary Care III (4 credits)
- NURG 723: Advanced Practice Clinical I FNP — 150 clinical hours (3 credits)
- NURG 724: Advanced Practice Clinical II FNP — 300 clinical hours (4 credits)
- NURG 730: NP Practicum — 300 clinical hours (6 credits)
More curriculum details are available here.
MSN Clinicals
The MSN FNP requires 750 clinical hours distributed across three courses covering primary and urgent care settings across the lifespan. Samford holds affiliation agreements with hundreds of clinical agencies, predominantly in the Southeast.
Students are expected to leverage professional networks to secure local placement; traveling for clinical opportunities may be required. The school does not arrange or reimburse travel.
- 750 total clinical hours across 3 courses
- NURG 723: Advanced Practice Clinical I — 150 hours
- NURG 724: Advanced Practice Clinical II — 300 hours
- NURG 730: NP Practicum — 300 hours (10–20 hours per week)
- 2–3 required on-campus intensives in Birmingham, Alabama
- Clinical settings: primary and urgent care across the lifespan
- Affiliation agreements with hundreds of Southeast agencies; additional agreements available on request
MSN Admissions
BSN-entry admission requires a 3.0 GPA and a BSN from an accredited nursing program. The ADN-entry track requires an associate degree plus completion of prerequisite courses. Both require three letters of recommendation and a video response submission.
BSN-Entry Requirements:
- BSN from a CCNE-, CNEA-, or ACEN-accredited and regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in nursing courses on a 4.0 scale
- One undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of B or higher
- Unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts from all institutions where nursing courses were completed
- Three letters of recommendation (two professional including at least one supervisor; one academic)
- Personal statement describing career aspirations and readiness for graduate study
- Professional resume
- Video response submission
- Application entry: May; deadline April 15
ADN-Entry Additional Requirements:
- Associate degree from a CCNE-, CNEA-, or ACEN-accredited institution
- Completion of prerequisite courses: English Composition I, College Algebra or higher, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Developmental Psychology
- One undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of B or higher
- Application entry: August; deadline June 1
Not accepted from residents licensed only in: AZ, CA, CO, IA, LA, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NY, ND, OR, PA, WV, WI.
DNP FNP
Samford offers two DNP pathways: a BSN-to-DNP for nurses who have not yet completed an MSN, and an MSN-to-DNP post-master’s pathway. Both are primarily asynchronous online with required on-campus sessions in Birmingham.
BSN-DNP Track: The estimated cost for the BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner at Samford University is approximately $74,000–$76,000 (74–76 credits × $1,000/credit). The program takes 3 years to complete with three required on-campus sessions.
MSN-DNP Track: The estimated cost for the MSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master’s) at Samford University is approximately $56,000 (56 credits × $1,000/credit). The program takes 2.5 to 3 years to complete with two to three required on-campus sessions.
DNP Curriculum
Both DNP tracks share a 21-credit DNP core and the FNP advanced practice courses.
The BSN-to-DNP adds five courses not present in the MSN-to-DNP or certificate: Common Diagnostics/Procedures (NURG 600), Advanced Clinical Reasoning (NURG 709), Care in the Community (NURG 714), Leadership and Strategic Management (NURG 781), and Business Skills for Advanced Practice (NURG 783).
The MSN-to-DNP track uses the same clinical sequence as the MSN FNP (NURG 723, 724, 730 = 750 hours), while the BSN-to-DNP uses a deeper clinical sequence (NURG 716, 717, 718, 730 = 1,050 hours).
Both tracks include a DNP project completed across two project courses; no dissertation or thesis is required.
DNP Core Courses (21 credits — both tracks):
- COHS 500: Introduction to Interprofessional Practice (1 credit)
- NURG 731: Concepts of Advanced Nursing Practice (4 credits)
- NURG 732: Theoretical Principles of Evidence-Based Practice (4 credits)
- NURG 733: Systems-Based Practice (4 credits)
- NURG 734: Essentials of Population Health (4 credits)
- NURG 760: DNP Project I (2 credits)
- NURG 761: DNP Project II (2 credits)
FNP Courses Shared by Both DNP Tracks (22 credits):
- NURG 533: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NURG 610: Advanced Health Assessment (4 credits)
- NURG 633: Pharmacotherapeutics for APRN (3 credits)
- NURG 706: Family Primary Care I (4 credits)
- NURG 707: Family Primary Care II (4 credits)
- NURG 708: Family Primary Care III (4 credits)
BSN-DNP Additional Courses (13 credits, not in MSN-to-DNP):
- NURG 600: Common Diagnostics and Procedures (3 credits)
- NURG 709: Advanced Clinical Reasoning (3 credits)
- NURG 714: Care in the Community (3 credits)
- NURG 781: Leadership, Organizational, and Strategic Management Theory (3 credits)
- NURG 783: Business Skills and Principles for Advanced Nursing Practice (3 credits)
BSN-DNP Clinical Courses (20 credits):
- NURG 716: FNP Clinical I — 225 hours (4 credits)
- NURG 717: FNP Clinical II — 225 hours (4 credits)
- NURG 718: FNP Clinical III — 300 hours (4 credits)
- NURG 730: NP Practicum — 300 hours (6 credits)
MSN-DNP Clinical Courses (13 credits):
- NURG 723: Advanced Practice Clinical I FNP — 150 hours (3 credits)
- NURG 724: Advanced Practice Clinical II FNP — 300 hours (4 credits)
- NURG 730: NP Practicum — 300 hours (6 credits)
More BSN-DNP curriculum details are available here. More MSN-DNP curriculum details are available here.
DNP Clinicals
The BSN-DNP requires 1,050 clinical hours — the highest total in this comparison set — across four courses spanning primary and urgent care settings across the lifespan.
The MSN-to-DNP requires 750 hours across three courses.
Both tracks rely on Samford’s network of hundreds of Southeast-based affiliate agencies, with student professional networks encouraged for local placement. Travel may be required; the school does not arrange or reimburse it.
BSN-DNP Clinical Summary:
- 1,050 total clinical hours across 4 courses
- 3 required on-campus intensives in Birmingham
- 10–20 clinical hours per week depending on rotation
MSN-DNP Clinical Summary:
- 750 total clinical hours across 3 courses
- 2–3 required on-campus intensives in Birmingham
- 10–20 clinical hours per week depending on rotation
DNP Admissions
The GPA threshold differs by track: 3.0 for BSN-entry, 3.5 for MSN-entry. Both require the same application package including three letters of recommendation and a video submission.
BSN-DNP Requirements:
- BSN from a CCNE-, CNEA-, or ACEN-accredited and regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in nursing courses
- One undergraduate nursing research course with a grade of C or higher
- One undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of B or higher
- Unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, video response
- Application entry: May; deadline April 15
MSN-DNP Requirements:
- MSN from a CCNE-, CNEA-, or ACEN-accredited and regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA in graduate nursing courses
- One undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of B or higher
- Unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, video response
- Application entry: May; deadline April 15
Not accepted from residents licensed only in: AZ, CA, CO, IA, LA, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NY, ND, OR, PA, WV, WI.
Post-Graduate Certificate FNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner at Samford University is approximately $36,000 (36 credits × $1,000/credit).
Certificate-only programs are not eligible for federal financial aid; private loans and institutional scholarships may apply.
Certificate Curriculum
The certificate totals 36 credits: 1 core credit (COHS 500) and 35 FNP-specific credits — identical to the FNP advanced practice courses in the MSN and MSN-to-DNP programs.
The curriculum progresses through the APRN triad and three Family Primary Care courses before the two clinical courses and NP practicum. An optional 9-credit advanced nursing education add-on is available for nurses seeking a faculty preparation pathway.
- COHS 500: Introduction to Interprofessional Practice (1 credit)
- NURG 533: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- NURG 610: Advanced Health Assessment (4 credits)
- NURG 633: Pharmacotherapeutics for APRN (3 credits)
- NURG 706: Family Primary Care I (4 credits)
- NURG 707: Family Primary Care II (4 credits)
- NURG 708: Family Primary Care III (4 credits)
- NURG 723: Advanced Practice Clinical I FNP — 150 clinical hours (3 credits)
- NURG 724: Advanced Practice Clinical II FNP — 300 clinical hours (4 credits)
- NURG 730: NP Practicum — 300 clinical hours (6 credits)
More curriculum details are available here.
Certificate Clinicals
The certificate requires 750 clinical hours across three courses, using the same clinical sequence as the MSN FNP. Two to three on-campus intensives in Birmingham are required.
The same placement expectations apply — professional networks are essential, and travel may be necessary.
- 750 total clinical hours across 3 courses (150 + 300 + 300 hours)
- 2–3 required on-campus intensives in Birmingham, Alabama
- Primary and urgent care settings across the lifespan
- Student responsible for securing placement; travel may be required
Certificate Admissions
The certificate is open to nurses holding a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. The same full application package — including three letters of recommendation and a video submission — is required.
- Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from a CCNE-, CNEA-, or ACEN-accredited institution
- Unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts from all graduate institutions where nursing courses were completed
- Three letters of recommendation (two professional including at least one supervisor; one academic)
- Personal statement
- Professional resume
- Video response submission
- Not eligible for federal financial aid
- Not accepted from residents licensed only in: AZ, CA, CO, IA, LA, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NY, ND, OR, PA, WV, WI
Tuition
Samford’s School of Nursing charges $1,000 per credit hour for all graduate nursing programs except nurse anesthesia. This rate applies to both in-state and out-of-state students.
The specific per-credit rate does not appear to vary between MSN, DNP, and certificate tracks within nursing.
Additional fees — including university-level, program-level, and course-level fees — are assessed separately and vary; the official fee schedules should be consulted for a complete cost picture. Background check costs vary by state and are the student’s responsibility.
Certificate-only programs are not eligible for federal financial aid.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate, master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Samford University’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Samford reported 100% FNP AANP certification exam pass rates for 2024 graduates. The university is ranked #2 nationally for student character development and #8 for career preparation by The Wall Street Journal (2025).
Compare Samford with the Other Alabama FNP Programs
- University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham
- University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
- University of South Alabama - Mobile